Minorities in several parts of Bangladesh were attacked on Monday after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. However, students and local people came for the protection of temples in some places.
A Dhaka Tribune correspondent visited three key temples of the city to get insight into the situation.
Dhakeshwari National Temple
Dhakeshwari Temple was being guarded by local Hindu residents.
Raj Ghosh, a resident of the locality said: “Both Muslim and Hindu neighbours are guarding to protect the temple. Some individuals have used this temple for their own benefit. We acknowledge their efforts in developing it, but they have forcibly removed us from the temple.”
“When they got benefits from the temple they used it, now where are they when it needs protection?” he asked.
Raj thinks that the temple's safety depends on the country's situation.
Ranjan Kumar Das, another resident who was guarding the temple, said: "We have received news that minorities across Bangladesh have been attacked. There is a valid fear that this temple could be targeted."
“Last night, some students and local Muslims who are in the Madrasa and Mosque committee were with us for a while. They provided their contact details for help in case we were attacked," he added.
“Our Muslim brothers who have stood beside us are setting an example for everyone. If everyone can ensure safety like this, such incidents would not happen,” said Ranjan.
Ranjan believes that no students were behind the vandalism across the country. “Nobody in the right mind can do this,” he said.
"This vandalism can not frame any religion, race, or caste. Their identity is that they are miscreants, opportunists, and looters. We did not just see that temples were attacked; businesses owned by Muslims and public properties were also vandalized. We have to be aware and resist them."
“We have to be together to overcome the situation.”
Advocate Dr Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, Secretary General of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, said: "Those who live their lives for Bhagavan have no fear. Today, we are all united. Those who are fearful are not with Bhagavan."
Ramna Kali Temple
Rafid Azad, a student of the Dhaka University Department of Law, said they have been in Ramna Kali Temple since Tuesday afternoon. Some groups are guarding the temple on rotation.
Raifd said: “Before here, we went to Siddeshwari Kali Temple. Some students are still there.”
According to Rafid, some networks are being built by the students all over Bangladesh to protect minorities and temples strategically.
About the attacks on minorities, Rafid said: “We have seen examples of many countries where, when a regime fails, some people take the opportunities. We can not say clearly who is attacking the temples.”
“Whoever is behind this is doing a horrible thing,” he added.
“The new government should ensure fundamental rights, including religion and freedom of speech. Obviously, we do not want a bigoted government, we want a government that is for everyone,” said Rafid.
Iskon Swamibag Temple
No guards or protection was seen in front of Iskon’s temple. However, there were two posters saying “You are our brothers, do not fear” and “Bangladesh is for all of us”.
Durlav Harinam Das, a member of Iskon, said: “In this area we have good relations with everyone, thus there is no reason for fear. We have Mosques and Temples within a few strides. We have been living like that for a long time. If we had fears, would we be open to talk?”
